21 Prom Themed Birthday Party Ideas
Lauren Miolene
Editor
Prom is a special night that you remember forever, so why not experience the magic all over again? Throw things back to your high school years by hosting a prom themed birthday party for your next milestone celebration. Whether you choose to keep aesthetic chic and elegant or cheesy and over the top, prom creates the perfect party atmosphere.
If you weren't on the planning committee for your high school prom, The Bash is here to help! You’ll need to start by picking an exciting prom theme, booking live entertainment, and planning delicious food and drink options. All of these details are extra to make the birthday party run smoothly.
Here are 21 prom themed birthday party ideas:
Crown the Prom King and Queen
Before the prom themed birthday party, you’ll want to make sure you have crowns ready for the prom king and queen. Guests can vote throughout the night for their royal choices and the host or guest of honor can announce the winner. Save enough time for a special dance if you really want to make the evening feel just like prom.
Live Band
The biggest debate of planning any large event settles around musical entertainment; which is better, a live band or DJ? The answer is they’re both perfect entertainment options! If you prefer the sound of a live band and interacting with the musicians, you’ll want to book some sort of live entertainer.
Stick with the theme when booking musical entertainment. If this is a Gatsby style event, book a jazz band. If the party theme is a decades throwback, consider arranging a performance from an 80s singer or 90s band.
Ask a Date
On the invitations, make sure to allow for a plus one to this party because everyone is going to need a dance partner. Guests can bring their special someone, another guest, or go solo for their date options. Bonus points to anyone that promposes in a big way!
Event Hall Venue
You can host the prom themed birthday party in your own home, but if you really want to capture the prom feel, consider booking an event hall. If this is a celebration for a milestone birthday where there will be a lot of guests in attendance, an event hall is the way to go. This will ensure there is plenty of space for a dance floor, musical entertainment, and seating.
Choose a Theme
If you want to stray away from the stereotypical decades theme or a night in Paris, The Bash has plenty of party theme options for the prom birthday party. Set the tone for the celebration with a Beauty and the Beast, Great Gatsby, or a casino night theme. If you want to cue up notalgia, you can never go wrong with the classics.
Dress Up
Ladies and gents, put on your best evening gown or suit and tie because what’s a prom birthday party theme without over the top ensembles? If you’re feeling bold, consider trying on your actual prom dress or flashy tuxedo set from yesteryear.
Disco Ball
Regardless of the theme you choose, a disco ball completes any party atmosphere. If the venue doesn’t include one above the dance floor, hang a disco ball from the ceiling to reflect colorful lights thag is sure ot set the mood.
Catered Dinner
You either ate the entire plate or spent the night on the dance floor, but every prom has a sit-down catered meal that is the perfect dinner option for your prom birthday party theme. Book a professional catering team to serve a fancy sit-down meal or arrange a delicious buffet for the birthday dinner.
Superlatives
Do you remember the classic high school superlatives? Allow guests to vote on the best dressed, best hair, and funniest at this prom themed birthday party. For more ideas, check out this list to keep the superlatives interesting and original.
Impersonator
Tap into the theme and surprise guests with an impersonator! The Bash has different impressionists to choose from including Elvis, Joan Rivers, Lady Gaga, and many more that know how to work a crowd. Impersonators are the perfect ice breaker to mingle with guests and get people on the dance floor to prevent any awkwardness.
Birthday Cake
Every birthday party needs a birthday cake or cupcakes! Match the frosting colors and decor to the prom birthday party theme and have the guest of honor blow out the candles to make a wish before the night is over.
Limo Ride
Everyone deserves to be treated their best for their birthday, so celebrate this milestone celebration with a professional limo driver. If the event is taking place elsewhere, this is an easy and safe form of transportation for the guests of honor and all their friends. For larger groups, consider booking a party bus that will act as the best pregame and post prom.
Finger Foods
The key for food at this prom themed birthday party is to keep things small and handheld. Mini burger sliders will be easy to eat in between dance breaks and leave minimal mess. Serve a variety including beef, turkey, and veggie burgers that will be the perfect dance fuel. You can also opt for popular appetizers like pigs in blankets or mac and cheese bites that are equally as delicious.
Conga Line
No matter what musical entertainment you decide on, every prom needs at least one attempt at a conga line. A conga line is a tell tale sign that your party was a fun success because it gets everyone involved and on the dance floor.
DJ
Book a DJ to enhance the prom birthday party theme and act as an emcee for the evening. A professional DJ will know what top hits to play and throwback tunes you’ll want to hear. Work with them to curate a one of a kind playlist to make the party extra special for the guest of honor.
Candy Bar
For individual party favors, organize a candy bar for guests to bring home their favorite sweet treats. Include a variety of chocolate, sour candies, and other delicious desserts that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Photo Booth
Chances are you probably still have your photo strip from your prom lying around somewhere, so it’s probably time for an update. Book a photo booth for this special night so you can capture funny moments with all your friends. Photo booth rentals also come with plenty of props and backdrops, so all you have to do is smile!
Bold Balloons
An easy decor option that never fails are balloons, and lots of them. Any prom can have a balloon archway entrance, but try incorporating these fun pops of color into seating areas, floral arrangements, or a special balloon wall that is perfect for plenty of photo ops. Take inspiration from your theme and think out of the box for your decor.
Bartender
Now that you’re 21+, no one is going to have to sneak around to spike the punch. If you want to follow this tradition, feel free to, but it will be much easier to book a bartender. These mixologists can whip up delicious drinks and cocktails customized for each guest. Curate a special menu for unique drinks, but you can never go wrong with the classics.
Ice Cream Bar
Towards the end of the night, arrange a DIY ice cream bar for guests to make their own delicious sundae. Include the favorite flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, toppings like sprinkles, hot fudge, and whipped cream, and most importantly cherries to complete them.
Photographer
With the outfits, decor, and the birthday cake, book a photographer to capture all the special moments of this prom birthday party theme. Just like your reel throwback prom photos, you’ll be looking back on these memories for years to come.
Read more birthday celebration ideas on The Bash.
